Oxford University

Location: Oxford, UK

Area: 16.200m2

Completion date: 2013

Oxford University is a project that Arzu executed while working at Rafael Vinoly Architects.

The Mathematical Institute provides educational and working space for over 500 academics, staff and international students. While being sensitive and respectful to the historic buildings that are situated on the site this proposal also sets standards for future sustainable designs across the Radcliffe Observatory Quarter. It incorporates a site-wide energy centre with combined heat and cooling system linked to over 100 energy piles. In addition, the project relies upon natural ventilation to all faculty offices enhanced by nighttime purging and exposed concrete soffits. The building also integrates motorized solar shading to minimize solar gain, green roofs and a rain/grey water recycling system. They all contribute to the BREEAM Excellent rating achieved at the design stage. The atrium, which is a social heart of the university, is filled with a glazed clerestory and by that it makes it more light, spacious. It stretches nearly the entire length of the edifice to encourage collaborations by enabling visual connections and meetings of the faculty members. Finally, a series of bridges and feature stairs provide necessary circulation and animate the multistorey space.

(All images are made by Rafael Vinoly Architects)